Hi, I’m Simon, I am an Ofsted registered childminder. Based in our family home, on the edge of Fair Oak, where I live with my wife and 2 children (aged 4 and 6 years old).

 

My focus is on adventures outdoors, learning in nature. Inspired by the forest school approach, Wearing suitable clothes we venture out everyday to explore the natural environment. We jump in puddles, collect and examine leaves, sticks and acorns, build shelters, climb and discover mini beasts. We pay attention to the sounds, smells and textures we find along the way. 

We travel around in a campervan which also acts as a mobile class room, dining room and a place to get changed and warm after time exploring.

We visit the Country Parks, local woods, beaches, the south downs, towns,garden and aquatic centers all of which give us lots of things to look at and discuss. Other places I am planning to visit in the year ahead include beach trips, pumpkin, strawberry and sunflower picking.  More often than not our daily excursions last from between 1-4 hours, We also do full day trips form time to time.  

 
It’s not always about the outdoors though, I have created a warm, cosy and safe environment at home which acts as our base camp.  Here we learn through art, music, books, dancing, imaginary play, cooking, baking and toys. We do sensory play, yoga and mindfulness. We make use of festivals around the world to inspire activities and provide exiting themes.

We have a lovely garden with swings, slide, large sandpit, water play, mud kitchen, playhouse, monkey bars and wooden fort. We grow some vegetables apples and plums with the children which will be used in a range of activities.  The layout of the setting provides a free flow between the kitchen/activity space and the garden including a garden room providing a covered semi outdoor space.

For me, the small numbers of children that attend a childminding setting means that I can really focus on the needs of the individual children and their parents. I know from first hand experience how stressful it can be to start at a new setting, especially when returning to work after maternity/paternity leave. I do everything I can to make this stress free. I provide regular updates to parents which can include observations and photos. I also keep parents up to date with learning progress based on the early years foundation stage. The small nature of the setting allows me to take the time to talk to parents at drop offs and pick ups, enabling me to gain a good understanding of things they have been doing at home, new interests to talk about and develop, and how the child is feeling from day to day.

Please get in touch to check availability, if you have any questions or if you would like to arrange a visit.  

 

Looking forward to hearing from you.  

 

Simon 

The Tiny Tribe